Allow compatible public
uses such as hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, and photography.

Promote research on marsh
and aquatic wildlife.

Management Tools

Environmental monitoring.

Water control structures
and levees.

Law enforcement.

Partnerships.

Public Use Opportunities

Fishing.

Wildlife observation.

Photography.

Calendar of Events

February-October: Fishing, wildlife observation.

Questions and Answers

How do you get to the East Cove Unit?
The East Cove Unit is only accessible by boat. The entrance
is located through the Grand Bayou Boat Bay at the southeast corner of
Calcasieu Lake. A map of the refuge can be obtained from the Visitor Center
at Cameron Prairie NWR.

Is a fishing license needed to go crabbing?
Any person using crab lines or drop nets for the purpose of taking crabs for recreational purposes is not required to purchase or possess a basic recreational fishing license. Only cotton line and drop nets up to 24” outside diameter may be used. Floats on crab lines are prohibited.

What is the limit on shrimp?
The daily shrimp limit is five gallons of heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or boat during the Louisiana inshore waters shrimp season. Outside the season, when cast netting for bait, the limit is one gallon per day, per vehicle or boat.

Is the Grand Bayou Boat Bay open?
That information is accessible 24 hours a day by calling the
East Cove Hotline 855-532-9955. When the boat bay is closed and/or there is a Closed sign, the refuge
is closed to all public use.